Nairobi Embassy Thread!

[katie & sifa 25]

yo. so we're currently frowning at the expense of this trip to kenya. well, I am at least. and we're somewhat in disagreement over which hotel to book. I was thinking the Jupiter Guest Resort in Langata (http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g294207-d2097945-Reviews-Jupiter_Guest_Resort_Langata-Nairobi.html) it's near the nairobi dam region I think.

I wanted to ask if anybody knew any reason why we shouldn't book there? As in, is the Langata area unsafe or the hotel actually a secret racketeering operation.

my fiancee's dad wants us to book at the country lodge hotel, which is a cousin of the fairview hotel. in my opinion it looks bleak and way above what we can afford even if her dad offered to pay the difference. I think that it's just too expensive. it's more for business people and kinda spartan.

Langata, generally, is a nice part of town. When I googled where the hotel you're looking at is it doesn't seem to be in what is typically thought of as Langata proper (if it's close to Jonathan Ngeno Estate...) My only concern would be it's proximity to Kibera, but it looks like it is relatively removed from there - far enough away to not really be a problem, anyway. I really like the Upper Hill area (where Country Lodge is) but yes, generally more expensive.

At the end of the day, Nairobi isn't as scary as people make it out to be. Sifa & I used to stay in a terrible part of Nairobi when we were there visiting (River Road, holla!) because it was super cheap and convenient to matatus and the like and we never had an issue (I would not have stayed in that area by myself, though, as a side note.) When I was with Peace Corps friends we usually stayed at Upper Hill Campsite (which also has rooms and dorms and is awesome - not actually in Upper Hill anymore, but pretty close.)

Common sense is key in Nairobi, wherever you stay - don't be out after dark, no matter what part of town you are in. If you must be out after dark (or before dawn, as the case may be in trying to get to the Embassy), call a taxi to come pick you up wherever you are, don't go walking off to find a taxi. Once you're in your hotel, you'll be fine. Most places in Nairobi have pretty decent security, even the crappy hotels.

[yketwaroo 10]

Langata, generally, is a nice part of town. When I googled where the hotel you're looking at is it doesn't seem to be in what is typically thought of as Langata proper (if it's close to Jonathan Ngeno Estate...) My only concern would be it's proximity to Kibera, but it looks like it is relatively removed from there - far enough away to not really be a problem, anyway. I really like the Upper Hill area (where Country Lodge is) but yes, generally more expensive.

At the end of the day, Nairobi isn't as scary as people make it out to be. Sifa & I used to stay in a terrible part of Nairobi when we were there visiting (River Road, holla!) because it was super cheap and convenient to matatus and the like and we never had an issue (I would not have stayed in that area by myself, though, as a side note.) When I was with Peace Corps friends we usually stayed at Upper Hill Campsite (which also has rooms and dorms and is awesome - not actually in Upper Hill anymore, but pretty close.)

Common sense is key in Nairobi, wherever you stay - don't be out after dark, no matter what part of town you are in. If you must be out after dark (or before dawn, as the case may be in trying to get to the Embassy), call a taxi to come pick you up wherever you are, don't go walking off to find a taxi. Once you're in your hotel, you'll be fine. Most places in Nairobi have pretty decent security, even the crappy hotels.

Thanks a million for the info! I didn't know about kibera. well I suppose you are right and it wouldn't be a problem. there's a golf course right next to the slums apparently. Rather posh.

[KelseyGrace 0]

Thanks guys!

I have another question for proof of ongoing relationship. So we communicate mostly on the phone but also have emails and Facebook messages. I printed our Facebook messages which go back a couple years. They are 26 pages long. And all one long thread, not like emails which can easily be separated. Should I turn in all 26 pages?

What did people do about private stuff? I feel like blacking it out with a marker looks suspicious... no?

Really appreciate the help!!!

[Ben and Jill 37]

Langata, generally, is a nice part of town. When I googled where the hotel you're looking at is it doesn't seem to be in what is typically thought of as Langata proper (if it's close to Jonathan Ngeno Estate...) My only concern would be it's proximity to Kibera, but it looks like it is relatively removed from there - far enough away to not really be a problem, anyway. I really like the Upper Hill area (where Country Lodge is) but yes, generally more expensive.

At the end of the day, Nairobi isn't as scary as people make it out to be. Sifa & I used to stay in a terrible part of Nairobi when we were there visiting (River Road, holla!) because it was super cheap and convenient to matatus and the like and we never had an issue (I would not have stayed in that area by myself, though, as a side note.) When I was with Peace Corps friends we usually stayed at Upper Hill Campsite (which also has rooms and dorms and is awesome - not actually in Upper Hill anymore, but pretty close.)

Common sense is key in Nairobi, wherever you stay - don't be out after dark, no matter what part of town you are in. If you must be out after dark (or before dawn, as the case may be in trying to get to the Embassy), call a taxi to come pick you up wherever you are, don't go walking off to find a taxi. Once you're in your hotel, you'll be fine. Most places in Nairobi have pretty decent security, even the crappy hotels.

Katie, you're killin' me...River Road??? LOVE IT...omg, I loved it there. Ben and I used to grab the matatu from there to go to Kariobangi....

[Ben and Jill 37]

Thanks a million for the info! I didn't know about kibera. well I suppose you are right and it wouldn't be a problem. there's a golf course right next to the slums apparently. Rather posh.

Katie is 100% right ~ common sense is all you need in Nairobi. I am as white as they come, and I walked around by myself during the daylight hours with NO issues whatsoever. Just be smart, that's all. Don't go there wearing a lot of jewelry, and carrying your cell phone in your hand...that's just tempts people...you'll be fine. Again...you are over worrying. If Katie and I survived...you will too!

[Ben and Jill 37]

Thanks guys!

I have another question for proof of ongoing relationship. So we communicate mostly on the phone but also have emails and Facebook messages. I printed our Facebook messages which go back a couple years. They are 26 pages long. And all one long thread, not like emails which can easily be separated. Should I turn in all 26 pages?

What did people do about private stuff? I feel like blacking it out with a marker looks suspicious... no?

Really appreciate the help!!!

You can black out the private things...they expect that and it will not be an issue (as long as mostly everything isn't blacked out, LOL). You should include emails, facebook messages, and phone logs that cover your entire relationship...meaning a little from the beginning, the middle, and most current. Double side EVERYTHING that you can... you can include most of the 26 pages if it's just from one chat, but double side it and make certain to include chats from your entire relationship (including one chat that's 26 pages shows how often and how long you communicate so it's not bad to include that - I did include a couple longer chats as well, but was certain not to overload the package). Handwritten letters are really good to include, as well as the postmarked envelopes. I think this section of my I-129F package (including phone and emails) was no more than 30 pages doublesided. The letters were also about 20 or so pages double sided. You have to use your judgment, just don't have it be 100 pages long! LOL

Edited February 27, 2012 by Ben and Jill

[katie & sifa 25]

Katie, you're killin' me...River Road??? LOVE IT...omg, I loved it there. Ben and I used to grab the matatu from there to go to Kariobangi....

I too love River Road, ha. The hustle and bustle and craziness - it's kind of fun. Also there was a good little chicken and chips place there called Tausi that has a lot of good memories for me! The area itself isn't great but the hotel we stayed in over there had a security guard, it was always clean and had hot showers. Plus convenient to transport! Not much more I could have asked for.

[Ben and Jill 37]

I too love River Road, ha. The hustle and bustle and craziness - it's kind of fun. Also there was a good little chicken and chips place there called Tausi that has a lot of good memories for me! The area itself isn't great but the hotel we stayed in over there had a security guard, it was always clean and had hot showers. Plus convenient to transport! Not much more I could have asked for.

It is crazy, lolol, and i just LOVED it too! I'd go back there in a heartbeat. Heyyyy, you had a HOT shower, LOL, you can't ask for anything more! hahahaha. I love that country...it's changed my life and my husband was born and raised there...it has a lot of meaning and I wouldn't change a thing about our journey.

Edited February 27, 2012 by Ben and Jill

[mehellie 9]

Anyone have an idea how long it takes to process M-PESA transfer?

[Ben and Jill 37]

Anyone have an idea how long it takes to process M-PESA transfer?

It took ours two complete business days, maybe three. It takes a couple days at best. I just remember checking the website to schedule the interview and it hadn't gone through yet Finally, I checked thinking it still hadn't gone through and it did! Give it a few days.

[yketwaroo 10]

aah it just went through. I've been submitting that damn receipt number over and over the last couple of days. whyever say it'll take 4 hours when it'll take 24.

things are seriously happening now. and it feels good.

[Ben and Jill 37]

aah it just went through. I've been submitting that damn receipt number over and over the last couple of days. whyever say it'll take 4 hours when it'll take 24.

things are seriously happening now. and it feels good.

awwwww, yeah! I know...they say it'll take four hours and it doesn't...haha...just tormenting us, I guess, LOL. Glad things are moving along for you! Stay positive!

[yketwaroo 10]

thanks!

we're very slightly worried though. Medical appt is Monday. and visa interview in Thursday same week. Will that be enough time to get the medical done in time for the interview?

I mean, it should be, right?

[Ben and Jill 37]

thanks!

we're very slightly worried though. Medical appt is Monday. and visa interview in Thursday same week. Will that be enough time to get the medical done in time for the interview?

I mean, it should be, right?

That is cutting is close...I would most definitely advise the medical team that your interview is Thursday of the same week and ask that they get the results to the Embassy by then. Your medical will be Monday AND Tuesday...you will have to go back again on Tuesday as it takes two half days. So be sure to advise them of your interview date, and keep all your receipts, etc., from your medical and bring them with you on your interview. You should be fine.

Edited February 28, 2012 by Ben and Jill

[mehellie 9]

Thanks. Hopefully it works out.